Context: Pap smear testing as a conventional cervical screening approach has limitations for implementation and aided visual cervical testing has varying results in different regions. Aims: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the performance of aided visual cervical screening tests as against conventional Pap smear testing in a rural community setting of North India. Settings and Design: This was a rural community based cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: All 7603 ever married women of age 30-59 years surveyed in a pocket of Dadri Tehsil, Uttar Pradesh, India were targeted for screening by Pap, visual inspection of cervix using acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection of cervix using Lugol's iodine (VILI) methods. Screen positives were referred to colposcopy and confirmation by histology. Statistical Analysis Used: Detection of histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II + and CIN III + assessed separately by sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio's and predictive values. Analysis of data was performed by using IBM SPSS statstics software version 16.0. Results: A total of 65.6%(4988/7604) eligible women of 30-59 years age group in the target population were screened. Out of 4988, further analysis was performed on 4148 after excluding those who did not complete all screenings, who lost to follow-up and had missing histology results. Screen positivity rates by Pap (ASCUS and above), VIA and VILI were 2.6%, 9.7% and 13.5% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of detecting the CIN III+ lesions were 87.5 and 98.8% for Pap, 50.0% and 96.7% for VIA and 50.0% and 95.7% for VILI respectively. Conclusions: VIA screening demonstrated as a feasible primary screening test for detecting high grade CIN and as to perform better when the Pap test is not feasible.

Background: Gutkha and pan masala contain harmful and carcinogenic chemicals. Hence, Maharashtra Government banned their manufacture, storage, distribution and sale on 19 th July 2012 for a year. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the impact of the ban on gutkha and pan masala on its users and vendors. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among gutkha and/or pan masala users and tobacco vendors in the selected area of Mumbai city, 4-6 months after the implementation of the ban. The parameters studied included knowledge regarding the ban, usage or discontinuation of use of the banned products, product availability, withdrawal symptoms among quitters, etc., Results: A total of 68 users and five tobacco vendors were enrolled in this study. Although all users were aware about the ban on gutkha, very few knew about the ban on pan masala. Only 5.9% of users knew that currently the ban had been declared for only 1 year. Electronic media was the main source of information regarding the ban as reported by 45.6% users. All users and vendors were in favor of the ban. After the ban, 23.53% gutkha users quit their habit while 55.88% reduced their gutkha consumption. Non-availability of gutkha was the most important reason stated by the gutkha users for quitting or reducing the consumption. In spite of the ban, gutkha is still available in the market, but at an increased cost or in a different form. Conclusion: Nearly 23.53% of gutkha users have quit their habit post-ban despite its availability through illegal sources.

Background: An assessment of cancer incidence in population is required for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and resource allocation. This will also guide in the formation of facilities for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up for these patients. The demographic trend of cancer will help to identify common types and etiological factors. Efforts at clinical, research and administrative levels are needed to overcome this problem. SettingsandDesign: Present retro prospective study was conducted in regional cancer center of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: After permission from ethics committee, a retro prospective study of 1 year duration was undertaken to study the profile of cancer patients and to compare it with other cancer registries in India. Statistical Analysis: Pearson's Chi-square test and simple linear regression were used. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version-16 (University of Bristol information services (www.bristol.ac.uk/is/learning/resources) was used. RESULTS: The overall incidence of cancer in Kashmir is on the increase and common sites of cancer are esophagus and gastroesophageal (GE) junction, lung, stomach, colorectal, lymphomas, skin, laryngopharynx, acute leukemias, prostate and brain in males.In females common sites are breast, esophagus and GE junction, ovary, colorectal, stomach, lung, gallbladder, lymphomas, acute leukemias and brain. Conclusion: Cancers of esophagus, stomach and lungs have a high incidence both in men and women in Kashmir. Future studies on sources and types of environmental pollution and exposures in relation to these cancers may improve our understanding of risk factors held responsible for causation of these malignancies in this region. This will help in the allocation of available resources for prevention and treatment strategies.

Aim: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the lack of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2)/neu. It has been identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for survival. The aim of this study was to compare the clinico-pathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with TNBC and non-TNBC. Materials and Methods: We carried out an analysis of 706 patients with invasive breast cancer between January 2007 and December 2011 in whom information on the status of ER, PR, and HER2/neu were available. Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients (21.9%) patients had TNBC. Patients with TNBC had a significantly lower median age [46.2 vs. 49.8 years; P = 0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98 to 2.38] and a higher proportion of high-grade tumors as compared to the non-TNBC group (43 vs. 24%; P < 0.0001). After a median follow-up of 30 months, the three-year relapse-free survival (RFS) was significantly lower in the TNBC group (76 vs. 64%; log rank P = 0.002). Three-year overall survival (OS) was lower in the TNBC group but not statistically significant. Age <49 years, higher nodal stage, and larger tumor size (>5 cm) were associated with poor outcome. Conclusion: TNBC is significantly associated with younger age and high-grade tumors and constitutes 21.9% of all breast cancers in our institute. Triple negativity was a significantly poor prognostic factor for RFS but not OS.

Background: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) has been defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery. There is a paucity of data on PABC from India. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of PABC at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: We screened approximately 3,750 cases registered from January 2001 to December 2012 and found 26 cases of PABC. Patients' records were obtained from the computer database using International Classification of Diseases code (C-50). Results: The median age was 26 years (range 20-35). The median duration of symptoms was 11.5 months. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage distribution was Stage I - 1, Stage II - 3, Stage III - 14 and in Stage IV - 8 patients. Median clinical tumor size is 5.5 cm. Four patients were presented with the inflammatory breast cancer. Positive family history was elicited in three patients. Twenty-one patients were diagnosed after delivery, two patients in the first trimester, two patients in the second trimester and three patients in the third trimester. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) negativity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) positivity was 56% and 38%, respectively. Nearly, 40% of patients had a high-grade tumor and 70% had pathological node positivity. With a median follow-up of 33 months, 3 years relapse free survival and overall survival was 40% and 50% respectively. Bone was the most common site for systemic relapse. Conclusions: PABC constituted 0.7% of all breast cancer patients. It is associated with advanced stage at presentation. Half of them were ER/PR negative and one-third was HER2/neu positive.

Objective: Advanced oral cancers are a challenge for treatment, as they require complex procedures for excision and reconstruction. Despite being occurring at a visible site and can be detected easily, many patients present in advanced stages with large tumors. Timely intervention is important in improving survival and quality of life in these patients. The aim of the present study was to find out the causes of delay in seeking specialist care in advanced oral cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective questionnaire based study was done on 201 consecutive advanced oral squamous cancer patients who underwent surgery at our hospital. All patients had either cancer of gingivobuccal complex (GBC) or tongue and had tumors of size more than 4 cm (T3/T4) and were treatment naοve at presentation. RESULTS: Even though most patients observed abnormal lesions in their mouth, majority delayed the decision to visit a physician early. A significant percentage of patients (50%) also reported a delayed diagnosis by the primary care physician before being referred to a tertiary care center for definitive treatment. The average total duration from symptoms to treatment was 7 months. Conclusion: The main reasons of this delay in receiving treatment were due to patients themselves (primary delay) or due to time taken by the primary physician to diagnose the condition (secondary delay). Oral self-examination can be helpful in detecting oral cancers early.

Background: Promising results were reported with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in peritoneal carcinomatosis. Experiences in India are not published. This is a preliminary report. Materials and Methods: From eight patients with peritoneal metastasis, six patients (5 M, 1 F), aged (40-62 years) were treated with CRS and HIPEC between May 2010 and August 2011 from a single institution. Three had Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of Appendix and one each with Mesothelioma, Ovarian Cancer and Colonic Cancer. Four were earlier treated with systemic chemotherapy and recurred. Pre-operative peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was calculated based on recent computerized tomography or positron emission tomography scans. Surgical completeness cytoreduction score (CCS) was classified as macroscopically complete (CCS-0); optimal residual disease ≤2.5 mm in any region (CCS-1); or grossly incomplete: Residual disease >2.5 mm (CCS-2) or >25 mm (CCS-3). They were treated by closed perfusion technique with mitomycin-C (MCC) and cisplatin at 41-42°C, for 60 min. Results: Optimal cytoreduction (residual tumor nodules <2.5 mm i.e. CC0 and CC1) was performed in four patients (66.67%). There was no operative mortality or Grade 3 and 4 toxicity. Patients with PCI <11 are alive without recurrence with overall survival of 26-31 months. Those with PCI >11 had recurrence with overall survival of 3-19 months. Two patients died at 3 and 9 months. Conclusion: CRS and HIPEC is a promising therapeutic option in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. These results in six patients are preliminary but encouraging. Patient with low PCI had better disease free survival.

Background: Use of any treatment modality in cancer depends not only on the effectiveness of the modality, but also on other factors such as local expertise, tolerance of the modality, cost and prevalence of the disease. Oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer are the major subsites in which majority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) literature in the head and neck cancers is available. However, oral cancers form a major subsite in India. Materials And Methods: This is an analysis of a prospectively maintained data on NACT in the head and neck cancers from 2008 to 2012. All these patients were referred for NACT for various indications from a multidisciplinary clinic. Descriptive analysis of indications for NACT in this data base is presented. Results: A total of 862 patients received NACT within the stipulated time period. The sites where oral cavity 721 patients (83.6%), maxilla 41 patients (4.8%), larynx 33 patients (3.8%), laryngopharynx 8 patients (0.9%) and hypopharynx 59 patients (8.2%). Out of oral cancers, the major indication for NACT was to make the cancer resectable in all (100%) patients. The indication in carcinoma of maxilla was to make the disease resectable in 29 patients (70.7% of maxillary cancers) and in 12 patients (29.3% of maxillary cancers) it was given as an attempt to preserve the eyeball. The indication for NACT in laryngeal cancers was organ preservation in 14 patients (42.4% of larnyngeal cancer) and to achieve resectability in 19 patients (57.6% of larnyngeal cancer). The group with laryngopharynx is a cohort of eight patients in whom NACT was given to prevent tracheostomy, these patients had presented with early stridor (common terminology criteria for adverse events Version 4.02). The reason for NACT in hypopharyngeal cancers was for organ preservation in 24 patients (40.7% of hypopharyngeal cancer) and for achievement of resectability in 35 patients (59.3% of hypopharyngeal cancer). Conclusion: The major indication for NACT is to make disease resectable at our center while cases for organ preservation are few.

Background: Patients with hematological malignancies that are highly proliferative and have high tumor burden are at high risk of developing hyperuricemia and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), spontaneously and while undergoing chemotherapy. Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of a new generic formulation of recombinant rasburicase in prevention and treatment of malignancy-associated hyperuricemia. Materials and Methods: An open-label, multicenter, phase-III study was conducted on 100 eligible patients with high risk for TLS. Rasburicase was administered 0.2 mg/kg intravenously over 30 min, daily, for 4 days. The outcome measures were percentage of reduction in plasma uric acid at 4 h after rasburicase, plasma uric acid area under the curve (AUC) 0-96 h and incidence of adverse events. Results: Eighty eight patients completed the study period of 10 days. After rasburicase administration, there was a 75.3 ± 28.5% of reduction in plasma uric acid at 4 h as compared to baseline. The plasma uric acid AUC 0-96 h was 259.9 ± 215.5 mg/dL h. Safety of rasburicase was assessed on the basis of changes in vitals, hematological, and biochemical parameters from baseline to termination. Except for the plasma uric acid level, there was no significant difference in any of the parameters. Mild to moderate adverse events were reported in 29 patients. Three patients had serious adverse events (SAEs) unrelated to rasburicase. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that recombinant rasburicase that is indigenously developed is effective for prevention and management of hyperuricemia in patients who are at high risk of developing TLS.

Introduction: Proteomics is increasingly employed in both neurological and oncological research, and applied widely in every area of neuroscience research including brain cancer. Astrocytomas are the most common glioma and can occur in most parts of the brain and occasionally in the spinal cord. Patients with high-grade astrocytomas have a life expectancy of <1 year even after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: We extracted proteins from tumors and normal brain tissues and then evaluated the protein purity by Bradford test and spectrophotometry method. In this study, we separated proteins by the two-dimensional (2DG) gel electrophoresis method, and the spots were analyzed and compared using statistical data. Results: On each analytical 2D gel, an average of 800 spots was observed. In this study, 164 spots exhibited up-regulation of expression level, whereas the remaining 179 spots decreased in astrocytoma tumor relative to normal tissue. Results demonstrate that functional clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) has considerable merits in aiding the interpretation of proteomic data. Proteomics is a powerful tool in identifying multiple proteins that are altered following a neuropharmacological intervention in a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Conclusion: 2-D gel and cluster analysis have important roles in the diagnostic management of astrocytoma patients, providing insight into tumor biology. The application of proteomics to CNS research has invariably been very successful in yielding large amounts of data.

Background: Thymoma is the most common tumor of the anterior mediastinum. Surgery is mainstay of treatment, with adjuvant radiation recommended for invasive thymoma. Because of rarity, prospective randomized trials may not be feasible even in multicentric settings hence the best possible evidence can be large series. Till date Thymoma has not been studied in Indian settings. Materials and methods: All patients presenting to Thoracic disease management group at our Centre during 2006-2011 were screened. Sixty two patients' with histo-pathological confirmation of thymoma medical records could be retrieved and are presented in this study. Mosaoka staging and WHO classification was used. The clinical, therapeutic factors and follow up parameters were recorded and survival was calculated. Effects of prognostic factors were compared. Results: Sixty two patients were identified (36M, 26F; age 22-84, median 51.5 years) and majorities (57%) of thymoma were stage I-II. WHO pathological subtype B was most common 30 (49%). Mean tumor size was smaller in patients with myasthenia (5.3cm) than the entire group (7.6cm). Neoadjuvant therapy was offered to five unresectable stages III or IV a patient's with 40% resectability rates. Median overall survival was 60 months (Inter quartile-range 3-44 months) with overall survival rate (OS) at three year being 90%. Resectable tumors had better outcomes (94%) than non resectable (81%) at three years. Mosaoka Stage was the only significant (P = 0.03) prognostic factor on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This is first thymoma series from India with large number of patients where staging is an important prognostic factor and surgery is the mainstay of therapy. In Indian context aggressive multimodality treatment should be offered to advanced stage patients and which yields good survival rates and comparable.

Aims and Objective: The present study was undertaken to compare the fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and the fine-needle non-aspiration cytology (FNNAC) techniques in head and neck swellings and to study the cytology features of various head and neck swellings. Materials and Methods: A total of 138 cases of head and neck swellings were sampled by a single operator, using both FNAC and FNNAC techniques. The two techniques were compared for the five objective parameters, amount of background blood or clots, amount of cellular material present, retention of appropriate architecture, degree of cellular degeneration and degree of cellular trauma, using Mair's point scoring system. Results: Blood contamination was similar in FNNAC as compared to FNAC in all cases. The difference was not statistically significant. Cellular yield was more in FNNAC in Thyroid and salivary gland lesions, with a significant statistical difference being noted in both. Better retention of architecture with a statistically significant difference was seen in FNNAC smears from lymph node lesions. There was no significant difference between the two techniques in degree of background blood. More number of FNNAC smears was diagnostically superior. Conclusion: The FNNAC technique provides an adequate cellular yield for a definite diagnosis in all head and neck swellings, except in cystic and fibrotic swellings where FNAC is a better technique.

Objective: To determine the morbidity and survival of surgically treated locally advanced carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx in a tertiary referral center in South India, a prospective cohort study was carried out. Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy from January, 2006 to January, 2011 at our institute were prospectively studied for factors affecting morbidity tumor recurrence and disease free survival (DFS). DFS was calculated for the whole group and for the larynx and hypopharynx cancer subgroups separately, using Kaplan Meir Method and the survival differences of the larynx and hypopharynx groups and between salvage and primary surgical cases were evaluated using the Cox's regression scale . Results: A total of 154 patients with ages ranging from 23 to 78 (mean 56.3 + standard deviation 9.2) were studied, which included 145 males and 9 females. Pre-operative tracheostomy and previous radiotherapy were the most significant factors contributing to post-operative morbidity. Survival difference between the larynx and hypopharynx cancers was statistically significant and the DFS was significantly affected by primary site wound infection, primary site margin and node positivity. Conclusion: The results of laryngectomy can be optimized by "proper case selection and morbidity risk assessment".

Background: Technical advancement in imaging has helped to stage and plan treatment modality for carcinoma rectum with still some objectives controversial. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) with multiplanar reformations in the pre-operative staging of rectal carcinoma and correlation with intraoperative and histopathologic staging of retrieved specimen with respect to the depth of tumor invasion (T-staging), lymph node metastasis (N-staging) and mesorectal fascia (MRF) involvement. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective one and consisted of 52 patients with biopsy proved rectal carcinoma. MDCT studies were performed on a 64-slice computed tomography system. Images were reconstructed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. MDCT findings were compared with intraoperative and pathologic (reference standard) findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were assessed. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for T1/T2, T3 and T4 lesions was 77%, 86.5% and 100%, respectively. For perirectal lymph node metastasis (N+), the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT was 84.1%. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for MRF involvement was 91%. Conclusion: MDCT is a reliable radiological tool for local staging of rectal cancer with excellent accuracy rates for T and N-staging of rectal cancer.

The office of the Drugs Controller General (India) vide order dated 19 th November 2013 has made audio visual (AV) recording of the informed consent mandatory for the conduct of all clinical trials in India. We therefore developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that this is performed in compliance with the regulatory requirements, internationally accepted ethical standards and that the recording is stored as well as archived in an appropriate manner. The SOP was developed keeping in mind all relevant orders, regulations, laws and guidelines and have been made available online. Since, we are faced with unique legal and regulatory requirements that are unprecedented globally, this SOP will allow the AV recording of the informed consent to be performed, archived and retrieved to demonstrate ethical, legal and regulatory compliance. We also compared this to the draft guidelines for AV recording dated 9 th January 2014 developed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Our future efforts will include regular testing, feedback and update of the SOP.

Role of CYP2E1genetic polymorphism in the development of oral leukoplakia among tobacco users in North Indian populationS Gupta, OP Gupta, S SrivastavaApril-June 2014, 51(2):154-158DOI:10.4103/0019-509X.138266 PMID:25104199

Aim: The aim of the study to find out role of CYP2E1 genetic polymorphism in development of oral leukoplakia among tobacco users in North Indian population, this study was carried out at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, UP. Study Design: Study include a total of 105 leukoplakia patients were genotyped for CYP2E1 polymorphism (93 males and 12 females; mean age ± SD: 47.5 ± 10.6) and 96 unrelated healthy controls (85 males and 11 females; mean age ± SD: 49 ± 11.1). All the patients had either reported for treatment of leukoplakia or were diagnosed with leukoplakia during routine oral examination. Results: A total of 105 leukoplakia patients and 96 controls were included in the study. The mean age of leukoplakia patients and control were 47 ± 10 and 51 ± 10 years respectively. The exclusive smokers comprised 62 (59%) leukoplakia patients and 53 (53%) controls. The exclusive smokeless tobacco users were 16 (15%) in leukoplakia patients and 27 (28%) in controls groups, while 27 (26%) leukoplakia patients and 16 (17%) controls have both types (smoking as well as smoke less) of tobacco habits simultaneously. Range of life time smoking exposure in leukoplakia and controls were (5-80 PY in both groups) but the mean smoking exposure in both groups were (leukoplakia: 28 ± 21.8 PY, control: 27: ±17 PY). But the mean smokeless tobacco dose in two groups were (leukoplakia: 150 ± 175 CY, controls: 137 ± 110 CY). Conclusion: All the results demonstrate an association between CYP2E1 genetic polymorphism and leukoplakia risk, premalignant lesion. It indicates that the CYP2E1 polymorphism, singly showed a protection towards the oral leukoplakia. Independent confirmation of this finding is required, and additional examination of the joint effect of CYP2E1genotype and other non-tobacco-related exposures is needed before more conclusive interpretation of our results can be made. This study demonstrates the importance of genetic variations in CYP2E1genes in susceptibility towards oral leukoplakia and it is conceivable that these variants will interact with environmental carcinogens and possibly some combinations of these genotypes will be at a high risk to oral leukoplakia.

Introduction: Tracheoesophageal speech using the voice prosthesis is considered to be the "gold standard" with success rates as high as 90%. Despite significant developments, majority eventually develop dysfunction due to microbial deterioration. We did a pilot study of 58 laryngectomy patients who developed prosthesis dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 laryngectomy patients who had their dysfunctional prosthesis removed were included in this study. Dysfunctional prostheses were removed and examined. Esophageal and tracheal flanges were examined separately. After obtaining pure fungal and bacterial cultures, the yeast strains were identified. Bacteria were identified with the light microscope and gram staining. We analyzed prosthesis lifespan and probable factors affecting it. Results: Central leak was found in 43% cases while in 57% peri-prosthetic leakage was the most common reason for prosthesis replacement. Microbial analysis revealed a combination of yeast and bacteria in approximately 55% culture samples. Out of these, almost 90% had the presence of single yeast species with bacteria. Pure fungal culture was identified in rest of the 45% cultures while none detected pure bacterial forms. Candida tropicalis was the solitary yeast in 81% while Candida albicans was seen in 10% as the solitary yeast. Bacterial isolates revealed Klebsiella pneumonia in 19%, Escherichiacoli in 8% while Staphylococcus aureus was grown in 1% cultures. The consumption of curd (P = 0.036, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.292-64.285) to have a significant correlation of the mean prosthesis lifespan. Consumption of curd (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.564-2.008) and history of prior radiotherapy (P = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.104-0.909) had a significant bearing on the Provox prosthesis lifespan. Conclusions: Candida is the most common organism grown on voice prosthesis in Indian scenario. Consumption of curd and history of prior radiotherapy significantly affect Provox prosthesis lifespan.

Background: Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis and prolonged survival is achieved only by resection with macroscopic tumor clearance. There is a strong rationale for a neoadjuvant approach, since a relevant percentage of pancreatic cancer patients present with non-metastatic but locally advanced disease. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT) on tumor response, down staging and resection, toxicity and any survival advantage. Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was carried out from January 2009 to June 2011 in which 15 patients of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer were included. All patients were treated with NACRT protocol with oral Capecitabine and 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. The patients were restaged 3 to 4 weeks after the completion of NACRT and explored for resection. Results: Out of 15 patients, fourteen were evaluable. Four patients underwent surgery, 5 had partial response but remained unresectable, 2 patients had stable disease and 3 had progressive disease. Most of the toxicities were slight and were in grade 1 to 2. None of the patients developed grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal or hematological toxicity. The median survival was 15 months for resected patients and 8.6 months for unresected patients, respectively. The 2 year actuarial overall survival was 34.6%. Conclusion: All patients with locally unresectable pancreatic cancer should be offered chemoradiation therapy, in hopes of down staging the tumor for possible resection and achieving higher survival.

Aim: The purpose of the survey was to understand the role of positron emission tomography (PET) in clinical radiotherapy practice among the radiation oncologists' in India. Settings and Design: An online questionnaire was developed to survey the oncologists on their use of PET, viewing protocols, contouring techniques practiced, the barriers on the use of PET and the need for training in use of PET in radiotherapy. The questionnaire was sent to about 500 oncologists and 76 completed responses were received. Results: The survey shows that radiation oncologists use PET largely to assess treatment response and staging but limitedly use it for radiotherapy treatment planning. Only manual contouring and fixed threshold based delineation techniques (e.g. 40% maximum standard uptake value [SUV max ] or SUV 2.5) are used. Cost is the major barrier in the wider use of PET, followed by limited availability of FDG radionuclide tracer. Limited or no training was available for the use of PET. Conclusions: Our survey revealed the vast difference between literature suggestions and actual clinical practice on the use of PET in radiotherapy. Additional training and standardization of protocols for use of PET in radiotherapy is essential for fully utilizing the capability of PET.

Objective: To study the incremental role of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in the detection of primary site in cases of occult primary with neck metastasis. StudyDesign: A prospective study on 79 consecutive patients. Setting: A tertiary care otolaryngology and head and neck surgery center. MaterialsandMethods: This prospective study compares the results of PET/CT in 79 patients of occult primary with neck metastasis with that of detailed comprehensive head and neck examination including imaging and panendoscopy. This study also attempts to define the incremental role of PET/CT in patients of occult primary. Results: The sensitivity of PET/CT in identifying the primary tumor was 62.4%, the specificity was 64.7%, the positive predictive value was 69.7% and the negative predictive value was 93%. We had a false positive rate of 33.6% and a false negative rate of 2.6%. Conclusion: PET/CT is a sensitive investigation for detection of occult primary. However, it has a low specificity rate and a high false positivity rate. Due to a high false positive rate, multiple biopsies from suspicious sites should be taken rather than solely relying on PET/CT. PET/CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology should be utilized more frequently than we did in this study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the pathological complete response rates in a group of locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after treatment with induction folinic acid and 5-florouracil (FOLFOX) chemotherapy and the relationship between the complete response and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Materials and Methods: The files of 239 patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer between January 2008 and January 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Of these, there were 24 locally advanced rectal cancer patients who met the following criteria: They were administered CRT after receiving four courses induction oxaliplatin, FOLFOX and they underwent PET-CT for staging and for the evaluation of their response to FOLFOX treatment. Of these 24 patients, 20 operable patients were included in the study. Results: The pathological complete response was obtained in seven patients (35%) who were operated on and then given induction four courses FOLFOX chemotherapy and CRT. We determined that age, gender, clinical stage at diagnosis and PET-CT before and after induction chemotherapy were not predictive of the pathological complete response to tumor fluorodeoxyglucose uptake activity. Conclusion: The rates of pathological complete response were increased in locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent short-term induction chemotherapy. Although the PET-CT has retained its importance in predicting pathological complete response, there is still a need for studies with a larger number of patients and long-term follow-ups.